Directions

Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Put the chile powder in a small bowl, pour in the boiling water and stir well to make a paste. Let it cool to room temperature.

Put the ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Add the vinegar, salt and garlic and mix well (your hands are the best tools for this job). Sprinkle with the oregano, canela, black pepper, star anise and cloves and mix well. Add the wine and sugar and mix well. Work the ancho chilie paste into the meat with your fingers until it's well incorporated. Cover and refrigerate overnight before you use it.

Store in 2-ounce portions in ziptop bags in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Yield: 2 pounds.